Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi is a waterway in southern France linking Toulouse with the Mediterranean coast. The route passes through rolling hills and flat countryside, lined with trees and crossed by stone bridges that span the water.

A royal decree in the second half of the 17th century authorized construction under the direction of a tax collector from Béziers. Completion took about 15 years of work and created a continuous link between two seas.

The name refers to the southern French region known for its mild climate and vineyards. Cyclists and boaters share the towpath beneath plane trees while anglers cast their lines along the banks.

Locks open at regular intervals during the season and it helps to start early in the day for longer trips by boat. The paved towpath works well for cycling and walking, with shade along most sections.

A tunnel passes beneath a hill and allows boats to cross this section without locks. In some places locals use the embankments for sunbathing and picnics, especially on summer weekends.

Location: Toulouse

Location: Ramonville-Saint-Agne

Location: Auzeville-Tolosane

Location: Castanet-Tolosan

Location: Péchabou

Location: Pompertuzat

Location: Deyme

Location: Donneville

Location: Montgiscard

Location: Ayguesvives

Location: Montesquieu-Lauragais

Location: Vieillevigne

Location: Saint-Rome

Location: Gardouch

Location: Renneville

Location: Avignonet-Lauragais

Location: Montferrand

Location: Labastide-d'Anjou

Location: Mas-Saintes-Puelles

Location: Castelnaudary

Location: Saint-Martin-Lalande

Location: Lasbordes

Location: Pexiora

Location: Villepinte

Location: Bram

Location: Alzonne

Location: Montréal

Location: Sainte-Eulalie

Location: Villesèquelande

Location: Caux-et-Sauzens

Location: Pezens

Location: Carcassonne

Location: Villemoustaussou

Location: Villalier

Location: Villedubert

Location: Trèbes

Location: Marseillette

Location: Blomac

Location: Puichéric

Location: La Redorte

Location: Azille

Location: Homps

Location: Olonzac

Location: Argens-Minervois

Location: Roubia

Location: Paraza

Location: Ventenac-en-Minervois

Location: Saint-Nazaire-d'Aude

Location: Ginestas

Location: Mirepeisset

Location: Sallèles-d'Aude

Location: Ouveillan

Location: Argeliers

Location: Cruzy

Location: Quarante

Location: Capestang

Location: Poilhes

Location: Nissan-lez-Enserune

Location: Colombiers

Location: Béziers

Location: Villeneuve-lès-Béziers

Location: Cers

Location: Portiragnes

Location: Vias

Location: Agde

Location: Marseillan

Official opening: May 15, 1681

Elevation above the sea: 0 m

Part of: Canal des Deux-Mers

Address: Canal du Midi, France

GPS coordinates: 43.61111,1.41833

Latest update: December 14, 2025 23:04